Eschscholzia californica

Eσχολτζία η καλιφορνική

Etymology of Eschscholtzia californica: The name of the genus, "Eschscholtzia'', is a tribute to Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz (1793-1831), Estonian-German physician, entomologist, botanist and nature collector. Its epithet "californica" refers to a region from where it originates (it is native to the United States and Mexico).

As a naturalized, invasive plant in Cyprus, it is the only Eschscholtzia species encountered on the island in the wild nature.

It is encountered at high altitudes exclusively in the Troodos Mountains range, so far it is unknown to what extent. It is possible that it was introduced into a local garden and then multiplied outside of it, yet not to a large extent. As an invasive plant, it is expected that in the following years will multiply to conquer more areas of the Cypriot highlands. It primarily grows on the uncultivated ground. Its flowering period is between April and July.